A window to Sri Lanka’s pioneer abstract artist George Claessen
View(s):
Chromatic Abstract, 1997, watercolour on paper
George Claessen (1909-1999), the eminent Sri Lankan painter, sculptor and poet was a founding member of the ‘43 Group and exhibited in the collective’s inaugural exhibition in November 1943. Claessen held his first solo exhibition in 1948 at the Velasquez Gallery in Melbourne. He migrated to England in 1949 and worked as a draughtsman until his retirement. He first began to experiment with pure abstraction in Australia and developed this form of expression throughout his career. Claessen continued exhibiting internationally and held shows in Colombo, London, Paris, Venice and Sao Paolo.
Udayshanth Fernando
Here Udayshanth Fernando of Paradise Road Galleries talks on the exhibition ‘Window on Another Dimension: George Claessen’ featuring abstract and figurative works on paper created by the artist between 1977-1998.
- What was the first Claessen piece you acquired and when?
The first George Claessen work I acquired in 1993 was a watercolour portrait.
- What is unique about Claessen’s work? The techniques he uses or the mediums?
Claessen stands out amongst the fellow 43 Group artists because of his unique contemporary abstract style of painting and drawing. His influence is one that gives the artist freedom to be himself not sticking to what was done then; even now. He was definitely the pioneer in abstract art in Sri Lanka and we are pleased to be exhibiting his works for a third time at Paradise Road Galleries.
- How many of his works do you currently own?
Horse and Cart, 1998, oil crayon on paper
I am proud to say that I have acquired 13 original works of George Claessen, all unique masterpieces.
- What makes this
collection special?
What I find special or unique about Claessen’s work is his freedom of expression in composition; simple at most times, with a versatility in mediums: pastels, inks, gouache and oils with a recognizable established style and signature. Paradise Road Galleries takes pride in presenting original works that are co-authenticated by the artist’s daughter Esmeralda Claessen who has endeavoured to do justice to his work in presenting collections over intervals throughout the last two decades as well as introducing his work to major galleries and museums in the United Kingdom.
- What can we look forward to
in this exhibition?
Window on Another Dimension, 1997, watercolour on paper
This is a rare presentation of a considerable number of works by a ‘43 Group artist in one solo exhibition. We have also worked on a very special publication featuring an essay by Dr. Cleo Roberts-Komireddi alongside references to Dr Shamil Wanigaratne’s writing in his publication on the artist as well as the essay by Prof. Senake Bandaranayake from the book ‘Sri Lankan Painting in the 20th Century’.
The exhibition will be complemented by a publication that includes the essay by Dr Cleo Roberts-Komireddi, whose writing has been featured in leading publications across the world, and who has lectured at Sotheby’s Institute, Princeton University, University of Cambridge and the Royal Asiatic Society. On December 18, Paradise Road Galleries hosted a talk with Dr Wanigaratne, whose books include ‘George Claessen, Artist, Sculptor and Poet’ (Paradise Isle Publications, 2000). and L.T.P. Manjusri: Artist and Scholar (1902-1982), (Perera-Hussein Publishing House 2020) and Dr Cleo Roberts-Komireddi. The talk will be published on the Paradise Road site on December 20.
The exhibition will be open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at Paradise Road Galleries, the Gallery Café, 2 Alfred House Road, Colombo 3. For further information email art@paradiseroad.lk.
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